Advice - Graduating Aug 08 and relocating

U.S.A. Massachusetts

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I am currently in an accelerated BSN program at the University of Central Florida and graduating in August of 2008. I am originally from Massachusetts and my husband and I plan to move back upon graduation. I plan to take the NCLEX in Massachusetts.

Currently I'm working as an Advanced Clinical Technician (nurse tech) at Orlando Regional Medical Center while in school.

Any suggestions as to when I should start contacting the hospitals up north to apply and which hospitals have Graduate Nurse (GN) programs in or around Boston? Has anyone else transferred to MA right after graduation?

And... how much does GPA factor into getting a job? I have only received one B so far but the students down here seem to think that grades don't matter as long as you pass, is this true?

Thanks for your help!

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Hi and welcome to the site

Not sure on all your questions but I believe you can apply once you have graduated but to complete the BON process they need to receive a complete set of transcripts before you get your ATT

If I have it wrong I am sure someone will correct me :)

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Specializes in ED, Pedi Vasc access, Paramedic serving 6 towns.

I would start applying very soon, you may have a bit of a problem though since most of the new grad programs inthis area start around June, July, and August. I wold start applying around april or sooner becasue rthe new grad spots fill up rather quickley, especially at the Boston Hospitals. It can be quite difficult to get a new grad job in MA so good luck and keep trying if you don't suceed on the first few tries.

Take NCLEX as soon as you can, because unfortunatly in MA, you cannot work as a new grad nurse without a license, as there is no temporary license here.

Dependson the hospital with regards to grades, I work well outside of Boston and had to send my grade transcripts, so yes I do think they look at grades, but B's are not that bad for nursing school especially and accelerated program.

Sweetooth

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Thanks for the advice. Could you tell me, what does BON and ATT stand for?

Which hospitals have Graduate Nurse programs?

I won't be able to take the NCLEX until at least September 2008. I wonder if there are any programs that are flexible on when they start the GN programs, ie. an individualized plan?

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
Thanks for the advice. Could you tell me, what does BON and ATT stand for?

Which hospitals have Graduate Nurse programs?

I won't be able to take the NCLEX until at least September 2008. I wonder if there are any programs that are flexible on when they start the GN programs, ie. an individualized plan?

BON = Board of Nursing

ATT= Authorisation to test

Can not sit NCLEX without it

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There are no hospitals in MA that have GN programs. You need a license to practice as a nurse in the state of MA. It seems they did away with the GN program here years ago. I agree with the poster that said apply very soon. It took me about 6 months to find a job after I graduated. New grad programs fill up very quickly. Good luck!

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Now I'm only currently in my 3rd semester. When all of you suggest applying now, would hospitals even consider me for positions that are posted online now? Or are you suggesting sending a blanket resume and cover letter directly to HR and bypassing applying to specific positions online?

In Florida there are GN programs so I guess I'm a bit out of the loop on that. But I'm more concerned with new nurse programs ie. a mentorship with additional courses during the first year. Are there any programs similar to this? It seems that they are not very prominent on the hospital websites as I have had some difficulty finding them.

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I don't think it's realistic to get hired fast in your situation. I would suggest to take your board in FL and to get at least one year of experience there.

Please, spend some time reading this forum. You will see that for some new grads in Mass it takes as long as 6-7 month to get hired. Those who get hired fast usually work there as techs, CNAs, etc. Since you can't do that, presumably, it will be easier to get a job in Mass if you have at least a year of experience. I guaranty that nobody will even look at your resume at this time. They don't care about your grades either.

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I guaranty that nobody will even look at your resume at this time. They don't care about your grades either.

This line when it was originally written really upset and discouraged me. The general advice in the post was spot on, but the way in which it was delivered was unkind. I will always consider how I felt at this time in my life when I go to give a new grad advice. I think we should all do the same because this position is not foreign to any of us, it's very scary and disheartening at times.

I am happy to say that I received two job offers within three weeks upon returning to Massachusetts. BEFORE passing the NCLEX. So to those of you reading this forum - new grads - out of state nurses - it CAN be done and grades do matter!

Thank you to those of you who did offer kind and honest advice.

I wish all of you luck who are looking for new positions. Things will turn up. Keep trying and make applying your full time job! :) (and I know a place who is hiring if anyone is interested, PM me)

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Sent you an email.... :)

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Specializes in OR-ortho, neuro, trauma.

Congrats on the job!

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I am happy to say that I received two job offers within three weeks upon returning to Massachusetts. BEFORE passing the NCLEX. So to those of you reading this forum - new grads - out of state nurses - it CAN be done and grades do matter!

Thank you to those of you who did offer kind and honest advice.

I wish all of you luck who are looking for new positions. Things will turn up. Keep trying and make applying your full time job! :) (and I know a place who is hiring if anyone is interested, PM me)

You can definitely find places that hire new grads in Mass. But they probably located outside of Boston, offer poor working conditions and inadequate compensation which results in higher employee turnover.

Metrowest Medical Center is hiring.

http://www.mwmc.com/CareerAndEducation/JobOpportunities

some nursing homes are hiring RNs too. For $20/hr.

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